Life-changing China trek

Great Wall of China World Heritage Site ENGSNL00120110525111158

‘Life-changing’- that is the word one charitable trekker used to describe the Chestnut China Challenge.

Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice is the only facility of its kind in Sussex and offers vital support to children with life-limiting and terminal illnesses in the area.

And next year the charity, based in Poling near Arundel, will be hosting the opportunity of a lifetime offering people across the county a chance to trek the Great Wall of China, all to raise much-needed cash for the hospice.

With momentum for the campaign building, this paper has taken the chance to speak to one former trekker, who has tackled the wonders of the wall.

Sarah Cox, 28, of Broadwater, Worthing, took on the challenge in 2010 for St Barnabas House hospice, and later went on to work for the hospice herself. St Barnabas is a sister hospice to Chestnut House.

She said: “Friday, October 8, 2010, is a day that will stay in my mind for the rest of my life.

“It’s the day I completed the Great Wall of China Challenge with a group of amazing people – the dream team.

“After days of climbing thousands upon thousands of steps, we reached the end of our challenge with a mixture of jubilation, exhilaration and disbelief. Great is something of an understatement when describing the Great Wall of China.

“It is nothing less than spectacular.

“The majestic wall literally stretches as far as the eye can see, with perilously sloping walkways snaking through the undulating countryside and numerous watchtowers which make the perfect place to stop for photographs.

“The trek was very challenging – we were all surprised by just how steep some of the steps were, and the contrast between some sections of the wall, with some in a good condition and others crumbling underfoot making it quite tricky to navigate.”

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